Scent psychology: the perfumes that power up confidence

Exactly WHY you feel so much more ready to take on the world when you're smelling good...

Feb 26, 2016

Mark Cant

Mother's Day is right around the corner, so chances are you'll be spending a lot of time down perfume aisles over the coming days. And, let's face it, lacing our pulse points in scent feels as important as brushing our hair so it's vital to get the scent right. It's empowering, too; thanks to the confidence induced by the perfect blend of notes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

As Will Andrews, P&G Fragrance Design Team, tell us, fragrance is subjective and can offer a different kind of mood boost to different people. However, there are some tips you can follow and notes you can dowse yourself in to elevate those 'I've got this' feelings, no matter the nerve-wracking occasion.

Read on to reveal the ideal perfumes that will gear you up for anything, whether it be a first date, a tricky day at work or a venture outside of your comfort zone...

Bolster your mood for business meetings

You've heard of power dressing, right? Well, those rules don't apply to work-ready perfume. In fact, Andrews says, "heady fragrances in the office can send the wrong message to your colleagues". By wearing an overbearing scent, you may undermine the point you're putting across and, if it's not natural to you, your discomfort will be obvious.

Instead, wear sprightly citrus notes that leave you feeling more alert, are refreshing, daytime-appropriate and will help perk you up. If you can, ensure you spritz it in the work days before said meeting, too. "If you begin to link a scent to the office, it will set you in that professional frame of mind when you mist," says Andrews.

Wear oriental fragrances on a first date

For those special evenings, like a first date, something deep and glamorous is going to bolster your confidence. Andrews notes that oriental scents are particularly good for this. "They have an amazing richness, softness and depth that's very sensual," he says, and adds that their versatility means almost anyone can fall for a fragrance in this family.

Those partial to heady, sumptuous scents can opt for a woody oriental, with layers of patchouli, sandalwood and spice giving your perfume potency. If you're more of a floral fanatic, look for flowers mixed with incense, white pepper or edible notes like vanilla in your oriental fragrances.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Lace limbs in fragrant layers

The most confidence-boosting way to scent skin isn't always about the perfume you wear, but how you wear it – which is where fragrance layering comes into the mix. Not only does the pampering ritual of cleansing with a bath soak and smoothing on a luxurious body cream that match your favourite fragrance make you feel more prepared, but it leaves you safe in the knowledge that your chosen scent will last much longer, too.

Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.